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Dreams of return find new meaning on Zaatari's third anniversary

The permanence of the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp in Jordan is not accepted by all, but is a truth that is transforming lives and attitudes inside the informal city.

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Child sits through bars 2..jpg
Child sits through bars 2..jpg

Image: Nazli Tarzi. All rights reserved.

Zaatari refugee camp, Mafraq, Jordan - clusters of new entrants wade through the tropical heat hanging heavily over the desolate plane, where the encampment was founded three years ago.  

On 30 July 2012 the Zaatari camp officially opened its doors to Syrian refugees. Its exponential growth makes it the largest refugee camp in the wider region, and Jordan's fourth largest city.